The Minnesota Inter-agency Fire Center in Grand Rapids reported Monday that areas of Northeastern Minnesota have gone nearly three weeks without significant rainfall. Duluth received half an inch of rain a week ago, but conditionsremain dry -- more than0.60 inches below normal for July and down more than3 inches from normal since June 1.
There is a chance of rain in the forecast for Wednesday, when scattered thunderstorms could erupt. Those conditions could prove hazardous, however, if lightning strikes dry forests without much rainfall, fire officials said.
There is no major rainfall forecast for the remainder of the week, the National Weather Service in Duluth reported Monday.
Meanwhile, a creeping fire in Voyageurs National Park continues to burn south of Rainy Lake. The lightning-caused fire has charred more than 457 acres and is being allowed to continue its course north, although fire crews are monitoring it closely and assessing whether it might threaten structures in coming days.
The fire will be allowed to burn until it reaches the shore of Rainy Lake, at which point crews will be on hand to stop the fire from jumping across the water, said Mike Johnson, fire information officer for the National Park Service. Fire is considered an integral part of the park's natural ecosystem.
Several trails and interior lakes in the park have been closed, but most of the park remains open to boat travel and camping as usual.
